Hi Omega fans!

Can anyone tell me, is the case on the FOIS the same dimensions as the case on the new 321 Ed White? I believe I saw the diameter is the same, but is the thickness? Exact same case dimensions between the 2 watches?

Thank you!!

 

All in all, very similar, but with subtle differences.
Experts will tell you more.

 

I don't have the FOIS, but I can confirm that the 39.7mm size of the ed white refers to the bezel which is the widest point of the watch. it is exactly the same size as the bezel on the 3861 Moonwatch (same for crystal), the 42mm of the professional case however measures case width up till crown guards.

 

Same thing described on Ed White's bezel happens on the FOIS.

 

As you say, the diameter is the same 39.7mm. They also share 19mm lug spacing.

From there, there are differences.

The FOIS measures 14mm in thickness and 47mm from lug-to-lug (1mm shorter than the vintage case).

The SS cal.321B measures 48mm from lug-to-lug, identical to the vintage case (and so 1mm longer than the FOIS).

As for thickness of the cal.321B, I do not find reliable measurement (and don’t have calipers), but strongly expect the cal.321B to be thicker than the FOIS’s 14mm owing to the cal.321B having a sapphire caseback for viewing the movement and the FOIS having a ~standard caseback.

For completeness as mentioned above the lug shapes are also different between the two watches; the FOIS lugs having a “twisted” bevel (exaggerated compared to the vintage case), the cal.321B having no bevel (identical to vintage case).

 

Thank you for the replies! OF is such a great source for info! I have a new FOIS on the way and I was curious about the case differences between the 2 watches.

 

It's a really nice piece - wears quite big, but has a timeless look - I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Wear it in good health!

 

Lug holes: can the new Ed take the old number 6 end-pieces?

 

RJ said the 321B measured under 14mm thick while the FOIS is slightly over 14mm.

 

Then my ass-umption would be ass-backward!

I’ll have to go look for that

 

Well to clarify, he said the new 321 was like 13.7mm. He never mentioned the FOIS but other people have said that the FOIS is over 14mm.

 

It is nice to know that the 321B is thinner than the FOIS. As always, thanks to RJ and team.

 

That makes sense. I’ve always found the 1861 straight lug versions to wear quite tall in comparison to the pro, so I’d hazard a guess it’s over 14mm

 

New 321 is 13.8 mm thick but feels like it is taller than the 1861 based 42mm Speedmasters because of the straight lugs.